It was not necessarily by my choosing that this review centered once again on the Governing Body. Rather, it is the Governing Body themselves who are regularly promoting every Christian’s absolutely unquestionable obedience to anything they put in print. I would encourage everyone to read the full context of the November 2016 Watchtower HERE. In … More Reviewing the November 2016 Watchtower Study Edition
It’s been a while since my last podcast, mostly due to starting a new job as well as my involvement with my wife’s business. In this episode, i’ll be reviewing the August 2016 JW Broadcast; in particular, the first 25 minutes or so as it relates to the Governing Body and how JW’s are required … More Reviewing the August 2016 JW Broadcast
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In this podcast, I will be interacting with the arguments Rotherham made against my previous podcast. To subscribe to the JW Review podcast: CLICK HERE
In this episode of the JW Review, i’ll be sharing a recent lecture I did on the topic of the Governing Body. To be honest, I had prepared a much more in depth presentation but it turns out the audience had a lot of questions on the basics prior to delving into the primary topic. … More What is the Governing Body?
You can download my Keynote slides as a PDF HERE
Rotherham’s arguments are more directly related to THIS POST, but COMMENTED ON the article, “Did the Watchtower’s ‘Faithful Slave’ claim the Holy Spirit’s functions ceased?” I would recommended reading Rotherham’s comment before proceeding to read my critique. I’m posting this here rather than the comment section because it highlights many of the common responses JW apologists … More Answering a JW apologist: is the Watchtower Directed by Jehovah?
While this issue has a complex history and much can be written, I want to keep this as simple as possible. Let’s first cover what the Watchtower has stated regarding the work of the Holy Spirit since 1919: *** ip-1 chap. 25 p. 340 par. 20 The King and His Princes *** Happily, since 1919, … More Did the Watchtower’s “Faithful Slave” claim the Holy Spirit’s functions ceased?
We all know that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have denied claims of inspiration. For example: In most ways Jehovah’s Witnesses are like everyone else. They have normal problems—economic, physical, emotional. They make mistakes at times, for they are not perfect, inspired, or infallible. But they try to learn from their experiences and diligently study the Bible to make needed … More Spirit-directed and Spirit-inspired: is there a difference?
In the August 15, 2014 Watchtower Study Edition, the Watchtower addresses some interesting points as it relates to reading the Bible when someone has less access to the Watchtower publications than others. Since the appointment of the faithful slave in 1919, millions of “domestics” of all languages have been gathered into God’s organization and are … More What about those with less access to Watchtower Publications?
This debate took place on the TRUE THEOLOGY forum, but I will be posting the full debate on a PDF once it is completed. You can follow the discussion HERE. The debate is with Rotherham, who is a JW I regularly interact with here. The format is as follows with hyperlinks for each section: (1) Openings Rotherham’s … More Debate with a JW: “Is the Watchtower’s interpretation of the faithful slave found in Matthew 24 and Luke 12, as articulated in the July 15th, 2013 Watchtower, accurate?”
This is an article that I published on CARM. The link is below: NEW LIGHT ON THE “FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE”
While not an “official” publication by the Watchtower, THIS ARTICLE appears to reflect the attitude of many JW’s as they consider former Governing Body member Ray Franz and his books. While there may be other books he’s written that i’m not aware of, the most prominent are CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE and IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM. The purpose of this … More How many JW’s view so-called “apostate literature”
Thus far, myself and the JW apologist “Rotherham” have gone through almost 80 comments in discussion on this topic. While one can only take a discussion so far before the dead horse gets beaten some more, I really think this topic is central to our differences with the JW’s. Unfortunately, i’m going to be out of … More Ephesians 4:11-16 discussion
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are adamant in saying that all true Christians must believe everything they teach. ***w09 p. 14 par. 5 Treasure Your Place in the Congregation*** We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is … More The Governing Body, Ephesians 4:11-16, and “unity”
Perhaps this mock dialogue will illustrate: Non-JW: When the Holy Spirit is leading us, it’s always to the truth? It would never lead somebody to error. JW: Right. Non-JW: And all true Christians have the Holy Spirit? JW: Yes Non-JW: So if we think something incorrectly, it is our own imperfection leading us that way, … More Should Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the Spirit or the Governing Body?
The Watchtower clearly expresses that no Christian can be faithful to Christ and at the same time, contradict what the Governing Body teaches. Never mind the fact that the Apostle Paul admonished Christians to render someone as accursed if he or she were to preach a “different gospel,” even if it were an Apostle himself (Gal. 1:6-9). … More Should unity be promoted at the expense of the truth? A response to a JW apologist
Watchtower apostasy is an important issue that every JW should consider. Though i’ve thought through it in the past, this discussion provoked me to consider writing about it; in particular, this comment by a JW apologist. But before I address his comment, it is important that we set the stage with some context. The Watchtower has long … More What if the Watchtower went into apostasy?
Though i’m a little late on this NEWS and many have expressed their thoughts on this new development in Watchtower theology, I was compelled to offer my thoughts too. While some offered commentary through hearsay accounts before the news became public, I was convicted to not do so. But now the cat is out of the … More My preliminary thoughts on the recent “faithful slave” interpretation change
To those who are not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, consider what it would be like if your pastor reminded their the congregation that they are to submit to his counsel and exhortations. But to make this more comparative to Jehovah’s Witnesses, consider if your pastor did this every other Sunday. What would your congregation think … More The Governing Body and self-promotion
For those who are unfamiliar with the ecclesiastical structure (i.e. church hierarchy) of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the top of the chain is not the apostles, for they do not believe that the apostolic office is for today (nor do I). Nor is it the elders of the local congregations. If its neither of these, who … More Where is the Governing Body?
MJF APOLOGETICS 